In 19th-century Lisbon, a young boy named Joao begins to unravel the mystery of his parentage, setting off a sweeping tale of hidden identities, ancient secrets, and fateful encounters. Over three decades and across multiple countries, a web of interconnected lives slowly reveals its full design.

We love this film but are saddened to play it. Why? It is Chilean exile-fabulist Raúl Ruiz’s final film, marking the end of a career that seemed to be always expanding in wild, unexpected directions. Here Ruiz returns to his homeland to fashion an oneiric and playful ode to old age and cinephilia.